Lulu Padilla is a medical-cosmetic tattoo artist who focuses on areola procedures, otherwise known as “nipple tattoos.”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee woman is helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their sense of self by offering tattoos after breast reconstruction surgeries, or breast removals.
Lulu Padilla is a medical-cosmetic tattoo artist who focuses on areola procedures, otherwise known as “nipple tattoos.” She said the tattoos help breast cancer survivors regain their feminine physiques, helping them adjust to life after surgery.
“I’ve been so blessed through my life that I decided to pay it forward,” she said. “Giving the tattoos makes me connect, makes me heal.”
The tattoos are free for her clients. To Padilla, the cost of a diagnosis is a high enough price.
“I know many women are needing this,” she said.
Through her work, Padilla developed a network of clients who all said that the tattoos helped them find a sense of control after a terrifying diagnosis.
“I can remember wanting to protect my own child, so I would hide in my closet and cry,” said Kristi Plumlee, one of her clients and a breast cancer survivor.
“The overall feeling I have was, ‘I’m going to die,'” said Lindsay Luttrell, another client and breast cancer survivor.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the United States. Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging for patients. Some treatments can leave patients with scars on their chest after breast removal procedures.
“It feels like all of those feminine qualities are now gone,” said Jenny Miller, also a client of Padilla and a breast cancer survivor.
“The tattoos not only hide your scars but they help to give you a fresh perspective,” Plumlee said.
Padilla’s art has helped women from all walks of life come together and create an honorary sisterhood.
“You feel comfortable because they’ve gone through the same thing,” Kelly Maples said, a client and breast cancer survivor.
Padilla said when survivors first look at their chests after getting a tattoo, both she and her clients are filled with a sense of joy.
“I was absolutely shocked how much of a difference it made for me,” said Luttrell.
Medical associations and leaders encourage self-breast exams to detect signs of breast cancer as early as possible. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better it can be treated.
